Africa-Press – Namibia.
The ministry of agriculture received a donation of nine vehicles valued at N$10 million from the European Union (EU-Namibia) funded Livestock Support Programme on Wednesday.
The fleet includes eight Land Cruiser bakkies, including two converted into mobile veterinary clinics and one truck.
The vehicles were handed over to the directorate of veterinary services to help strengthen animal health surveillance, combat Foot-and-Mouth Disease, improve traceability and support compliance with export standards and market access for farmers in Namibia’s Northern Communal Areas (NCAs) or north of the notorious veterinary cordon fence (Red Line).
Deputy minister of agriculture, Ruthy Masake, received the fleet on behalf of the Namibian government. She assured that the fleet would be utilised for its initial purpose and would be properly maintained and managed.
“By strengthening mobility for our veterinary teams, these vehicles allow us to detect disease faster, respond quicker, and provide consistent support to farmers. They are a direct investment in animal health, food security, and better incomes for communities in the Northern Communal Areas,” she said.
Moreover, at the same occasion, National Planning Commission director general Kaire Mbuende added that the handover demonstrates how development cooperation translates into tangible results.
“Through strong coordination between government and our European partners, we are delivering infrastructure and tools that will improve market readiness, compliance, and economic participation,” he proudly said.
EU ambassador Ana Beatriz Martins said the donation is to support farmers in NCA meet top standards in beef production for local and export markets.
Martins further added that, “This handover forms part of the broader Livestock Support Programme, which continues to reinforce infrastructure, technical capacity, and value chain development across the northern regions.”
Amongst other things, the government and the EU will upgrade the Etunda feedlot, Opuxwo abattoir, Omutambo Uomaue Quarantine services.
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